Why Do The Perfect Block as Contractors Use a Stack Bond Over a Running Bond
What is a Running Bond?
A running bond is a pattern where “structural” bricks or CMU blocks are laid in a staggered fashion. With each course offset from the one below. This provides additional strength to the construction of CMU or Brick for the structure of the wall.
What is a Stacked Bond?
A stack bond is setting the block right on top of each other from the course below and lining up the seams of the product. This is often done with structural block when the stacked look is desired. You sacrifice the additional strength from a running bond to achieve the desired look. When using the stacked bond with stay-in-place forms there is no strength loss or gain from using either method.
Why don’t you need to use a Running Bond with The Perfect Block?
The Perfect Block is a stay-in-place form to hold the reinforced concrete. Once installed, the blocks are fully grouted with reinforced concrete in both vertical and horizontal cores. This continuous pour forms a single, solid structural wall inside the form, which provides 100% of the structure for the wall. The structure is the concrete and rebar that goes into the form. The concrete inside does the work, the outer foam form doesn’t need to follow a running bond pattern for additional strength like traditional brick or CMU. No masons or highly skilled labor is required to build with The Perfect Block. The Perfect Block construction method can use either a running bond or a stacked bond interchangeably, but we typically use the stacked bond method primarily because this allows us to use unskilled workers to stack block with minimal supervision and speed up construction to reduce costs.
Can I do a Running Bond with The Perfect Block?
Absolutely, you can do a running bond with The Perfect Block if that is your preference. If you do a running bond you will have to make sure the inner vertical cores line up to have a consistent Column and Bond Beam matrix throughout the walls.
We have experienced over the last 30 years that a running bond will add more waste and time to construct a build. Through our experience, regardless whether using a running bond or a stacked bond for stay-in-place forms, each method will have the same strength when the walls are fully grouted and cured.
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